Pagina 349 de 1116

The Envied gave him a hearty welcome, and seating him by his side

asked him, "Shall I tell thee the cause of thy coming?" The King

answered, "Yes." He continued, "Thou hast come upon pretext of a

visitation;[FN#221] but it is in thy heart to question me of thy

daughter." Replied the King, " 'Tis even so, O thou holy Shaykh;"

and the Envied continued, "Send and fetch her, and I trust to

heal her forthright (an such it be the will of Allah!)" The King

in great joy sent for his daughter, and they brought her pinioned

and fettered. The Envied made her sit down behind a curtain and

taking out the hairs fumigated her therewith; whereupon that

which was in her head cried out and departed from her.